Andrew Fusek Peters’ latest book ‘Dip, Wild Swims and Stories from the Borderlines’ has been turned into a unique multimedia project by the Shropshire Media Network, involving over 15 local artists and professionals.
The first part is the production of a new film, from director Tom Middleton (Co-Founder of the Shropshire Media Network) that will visualise the lyrical prose of poet and writer Andrew Fusek Peters. Andrews’ new book, ‘Dip, Wild Swims and stories from the Borderlands’, and is the inspiration for the project. The film will follow him as he explores some of Shropshire’s most beautiful wild swimming spots including the Carding Mill Reservoir.
Paul Evans, the Guardian Countryside Diarist says: “Brrrrr – I know many of the wonderful watery places in which Andrew takes a dip, but in winter?! This book is about much more than the electrifying shock of a quick dunk, it’s the story of a total immersion in Nature, a courageous trust in its restorative powers and an authentic experience of the wild. For those willing to dabble a toe in the water, this is the brave next step. For those who would rather keep their socks on, this is a damn good read.”
The film will be shot using top end film equipment such as the Red One, and specialist underwater high speed cameras. The film will also feature interviews and commentaries from a wide range of local ecology and environmental experts, sharing insights about the conservation and enhancement of our local fresh water landscapes. The production will include collaborations with local film industry experts Matthew Evans, and Des Seal.
The second part of the Dip Shropshire project is a series of 8 outdoor workshops that link wild swimming, and exploration of the stunning landscape of Shropshire to creativity, giving people the opportunity to explore and experiment with a variety of art forms all with the guidance of local professional artists.
The workshops will be located all over Shropshire, from the Millennium Green of Ludlow (part of the Ludlow Fringe Festival), the Onny Meadows in Craven Arms, Clun Castle, Pantglas, Walcott Hall in Lydbury North, Carding Mill Valley Reservoir (a Wenlock Poetry Festival event), Oakley Mill Waterfall, and Whitemere in the north of the County.
Tom Middleton, Co-Founder of Shropshire Media Network said: “We are extremely excited about this project, as it combines a huge range of amazing local artists, and a mixture of activities that we are all very passionate about.”
Dip Shropshire is supported and funded by: Arts Council England, the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, the Meres and Mosses Landscape Partnership, the Heritage Lottery Fund, DEFRA and the Wenlock Poetry Festival.
Andrews’ books Dip, and the Dip Shropshire project, are being launched at the Wenlock Poetry Festival on April 27th.
Tickets for Dip Shropshire can be bought from www.dipshropshire.co.uk.